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History

1993

first exploration of the cave system.

Description

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is an important archaeologic site, the cave
was known to the ancient inhabitants of the area, the Mayans, and used for
religious purposes.
A small chamber called stone sepulchre contains a complete female human
skeleton covered by calcite crystals, the Crystal Maiden which gave the
cave its name.
Of course, this is only the most spectacular Mayan remains among hundreds of
ceramics, stoneware items, and bones which can be seen on the tour.
The crystal maiden is a teenage girl which was probably a sacrifice victim.
And there are several such calcified skeletons in the Main Chamber.

The cave is visited on a spelunking tour which takes four hours and includes
wading through watercourses and climbing.
Getting to the cave requires a 45 minute hike through the Tapir Mountain
Reserve, through jungle and across three rivers.

The cave is under protection because of its archaeologic importance.
After it was featured in National Geographic it became a popular destination for
adventurous travelers.
In order to find an compromise between protection and tourist revenue the Belize
Tourism Board has granted licenses to only two tour operators.
One of them is Mayawalk Tours in San Ignacio Cayo who offer guided tours
to the cave.
Beneath the so-called Day Trips they also offer Overnight Camping
Trips which include visits to various Mayan sites and rappelling into a
sinkhole leading to ATM.
Professional cave helmets, lights and waterproof bags are provided.
The other operator is Pacz Tours,

Dr Jaime Awe, from the University of New Hampshire, was
the first archaeologist to explore Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal
Sepulchre). It was named after the sacrificial chamber within the cave where
the remains of a young woman were found. Fourteen burials have been found in
Actun Tunichil Muknal. The cave also contains two slate stelae in front of
which Maya elites cut themselves with obsidian blades to collect their blood and
offer it to the gods. A stream flows out of this cave, providing the main water
supply for the camp. Actun Tunichil Muknal also contains large broken pottery.
Calcite from dripwater has encased many of these finds over the centuries.